Former tank commander Eyal Zamir was sworn in as Israel's new army chief on Wednesday, inheriting the task at a crucial time for the military after it acknowledged its "complete failure" to prevent Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

Previously director of the defence ministry, Zamir replaces chief of staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned admitting he had failed to fulfil his mandate.

Zamir, 59, takes over at a sensitive time in Israel's war with Hamas, with the ceasefire that took effect on January 19 hanging in the balance.

At his swearing-in ceremony at military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Zamir said he was ready for the challenges ahead, noting that while "Hamas has indeed suffered a severe blow... it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet accomplished."

Announcing his appointment last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had high hopes that Zamir would help achieve Israel's goal of "absolute victory" over Hamas.

Zamir also steps in at a time of heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, where the military has deployed tanks in recent weeks for........

© Al Monitor